Warm puddings have a special kind of comfort, especially when topped with thick homemade toffee sauce. This single-serve sticky toffee pudding is just the perfect recipe for when you want something sweet, but do not want to spend hours baking.

Made with soft dates, warm spices and a silky toffee sauce, it is simple, quick and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients:

For the pudding:

• 3 chopped dates
• 2 tablespoons hot milk/water
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter (softened)
• 1 tablespoon egg (beaten)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons flour
• A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
• A pinch of cardamom (optional)
• A pinch of salt
• 1/8 teaspoon baking powder

For the toffee sauce:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons cream
• A pinch of salt

Method:

In a small bowl, add the hot water/milk and baking soda. Leave the dates to soften for 5-10 minutes.

In a microwave-safe ramekin, mix butter and brown sugar. Add egg and vanilla.

Stir in flour, baking powder, salt and spices. Fold in the date mixture.

Microwave for 1 min 20 secs.

In a pan, heat butter, sugar and cream on low heat. Stir until smooth and thick. Add a pinch of salt.

Poke holes in the pudding. Pour half the sauce and let it rest so that the sauce gets absorbed. Now pour the rest of the sauce.

Serve with ice cream and enjoy.

Published in Dawn, Young World, May 16th, 2026